The use of firearms when SHTF is probably one of the most talked-about issues on the internet these days. In many cases, firearms sometimes rank higher than food supplies in some circles.

The trend in survival firearms has taken a radical right turn; instead of defensive weapons, many have turned towards assault rifles, and offensive weapons. It’s not uncommon to see survivalists wearing tactical gear, Kevlar helmets, ballistic vest, and sporting an assortment of battle-ready guns with multiple magazines of ammunition.

The problem with that is; it doesn’t leave much room for survival gear. Heading out into the woods with tactical gear, and preparing for a gun battle is okay if that is your mindset. But the reality is that all of that gear won’t help you one bit—when faced with multiple opponents. On the contrary, it will only serve to make their job easier because it’s hard to run wearing all of that gear.

When I train newbies out in the field, the rule is only carry the things that you will actually need, and replace everything else with food supplies. Nothing is as important as food—nothing!

One of the things that I attempt to have people understand, is that even though firearms are an integral part of any survival plan, they should not be the entire plan.

No matter what the weapon of choice is; it is necessary to first become intimate with the weapon. That means spending a lot of time at the range, shooting at various distances, and shooting during weather extremes. It takes hundreds of hours to “Become One” with your weapon. But when the honeymoon is over, you’ve got something in your hands that is both familiar and might provide for an extra edge if you are ever forced to shoot somebody down.

It really doesn’t matter the make or model of the rifle, what matters is the weight, the maneuverability, and whether or not you can hit what you are aiming at in any survival or weather condition. One of my more favorite weapons is an old Soviet battle rifle: The Mosin-Nagant M1944 7.62x54R bolt action rifle. The rifle is sometimes referred to as a “Russian .308”; and that would be a close description.

[ Mosin-44 Out in The Alaska Back Country ]

The Mosin-44 is a trusted old rifle that is still being used today in many parts of the world. Here in Alaska, these old rifles are found in the hands of Eskimo hunters, and homesteaders alike. It’s reputation and durability makes this a rifle that has earned its place by the people that count on it for their day to day existence.

I’ve owned and fired tons of weapons throughout the years. Some weren’t worth a plugged nickel, while others were worth their weight in gold. One of my more favorite defensive weapon is a Diamond Back .380 caliber handgun. It’s small size makes it an ideal carry-weapon,. It certainly doesn’t pack the same punch as a .45 ACP, but again—it’s all a matter of getting to know your weapon, as well as your own capabilities. What is amazing for this small caliber cartridge, is the penetration factor. As a primary combat weapon it’s all but useless due to to lack of energy; but up-close-personal, this weapon will do what’s asked of it.

[ DB-380 Semi-Auto Handgun ]

Survivalists should consider firearms as yet another tool that gets the job done. Over-reliance on weapons is the one problem that should be avoided. To me personally; a rifle that I carry in the bush has to be suited for hunting and defensive situations. The standard that I apply to myself is that I carry one rifle, and one handgun; perhaps if the situation requires it, I may also hump a folding-stock shotgun. But in my own survival plans, everyone in my group is armed, and even if it’s just my family and I tromping around in the bush—we all carry weapons.

When SHTF; protecting the family and yourself, as well as protecting your stockpile will require firearms that are capable of doing the job with little or no frills. A basic pump shotgun, an assault rifle, or even a bolt action rifle will make life miserable for those individuals who foolishly believe that a “force of arms” will feed them.

I much prefer the heavy caliber weapons such as the belted-magnums. There is no doubt in my mind that a .375 H&H magnum will punch right through ballistic armor. Subsequently, the .454-Casull Magnum will certainly eat bullet-proof vests everyday of the week.

Additionally; in the hands of an experienced shooter, the bolt action .308 caliber rifle loaded with deadly Armor Piercing ammunition is a force of nature unto itself. A determined shooter can far exceed the range and killing power of assault rifle wielding assailants.

When it comes to self-defense in a survival situation, it’s important to understand that if you are doing things correctly; nobody out there should see you, hear, you, or realize that you are in the area. When things go south, and you find yourself confronted with armed thugs, your best option is to get away as quickly as possible. Breaking contact might not sound very “Macho”; but I guarantee that you will not feel so Macho when one of your kids, or your mate is laying dead on the ground.

I am glad to see that our troops are finally going home. It’s about time that America concluded the business of bringing democracy to that nation. Though I fully understand the necessities of waging this war, the costs for Americans has been extremely high.

I wonder what will happen to the country after America departs. Will it revert back to the state of affairs that it’s former rulers had shaped, or will it get even worse considering the proximity of Iraq to other countries such as Iran.

I see nothing but trouble ahead for that particular region. It won’t be long before another Jihadist sect seizes power and becomes yet another enemy of the Western Nations. I suppose that our future will have us once again with American boots on those deserts.

AFGHANISTAN:

I read with horror the words spoken by Karzai would back-up Pakistan in the event the US would take military actions against the leadership of Pakistan’s rogue military junta. Considering that it was the US State Department who brought this idiot into power; I find it detestable that he’s quickly forgotten which side his bread is buttered on.

LIBYA:

After eight months of war, and billions of dollars spent by the US and other NATO nations, the despotic ruler Moammar Gadhafi finally faced the same fate as so many other tyrannical dictators have faced throughout history. A bullet to the braincase…

Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, the interim commander of the NTC has declared that Libya would be ruled under the iron fist of Sharia Law. Well Hell’s-Bell’s–who didn’t see that one coming. Unless of course you are a politician trying to play both sides from the middle.

Gadhafi had it coming when he actively participated in the 1972 Munich Massacre, as well as all of the support that he sponsored throughout the years towards terrorist groups. But the question to ask today; “Is the world better off with yet another Islamic country, whose political/religious doctrine advocates the harsh rule of pre-2011 Afghanistan?” Let’s not forget that Afghanistan Sharia Law was the most detestable and barbaric form of governance on the face of the earth. Seconded only by North Korea’s totalitarian iron-fist rule.

IRAN:

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: every time I turn on the news, or cruise the internet, there is the “blooming idiot” of Iran threatening America and Israel again. His crap is really getting old. My thoughts are that somebody needs to stuff a huge spoon of “American Made Peanut Butter” into his foul lying mouth–perhaps by the way of a Tomahawk cruise missile. I certainly don’t want to see America engaged in yet another mid-east war, but at some point this fool has got to be put down like a rabid dog.

Iran has been at the forefront of terrorist acts, they’ve sent special forces teams into Iraq to kill American troops, and they are actively seeking the destruction of Israel and the west through nuclear weapons. Geez–lets hire some locals and “OFF DA BASTARD” before he makes good on his evil plans.

OCCUPY WALL STREET:

What a freaking waste of energy!

They say that if you really want to know something about a company, or movement–just follow the money… Yep, The Money is Dirty!

When I hear words like: Collective, Division Of Wealth, Class Structure; and other like phrases–one single word comes to mind: Communist.

I fail to understand how destroying America’s financial system would make anything better for me, or anyone else that I know. Though I agree with some of the ideas that are being presented, using economic terrorism isn’t the way to accomplish that goal.

So I ask myself these very simple questions:

#1: If Wall Street went south–where would that leave America?

#2 How do I benefit from all of this?

#3 Who really benefits from all of this?

answer those three questions for yourself, and I think that perhaps you will understand how stupid these protests really are.

The problem can be further exacerbated by one single act of violence. Image what would happen if some nutcase decides to thrown one Molotov Cocktail at the police forces? Things will quickly get out of hand, and get real ugly in a hurry. Will American Law Enforcement fire real bullets at their countrymen? Now that is the REAL QUESTION of the day…

Throughout my existence, it has always been uppermost within the furthest reaches of my mind that certain civil liberties were endeavored to be trampled upon by seditionists within the fabric of Ameri-can society. A group of individuals and corporate entities that covertly sought to dismantle the foundation of all that this nation was built upon. To trample upon the sacred constitution that which laid waste and bare the lives of so many of our brethren, to wit the sacrifice of those that gave their everything and all—to a cause much greater than themselves.

From the Lexington Green to our present battles in the Mideast territories, patriots of America entered into harms way with unparallel thought of self; yet unselfishly giving all that they espouse upon their own declaration of freedom against imperial adventurism at the hand of totalitarians that seek to bring down this nation and its way of life.

Our lives have been untouched for over 200 years, insofar as would be categorized as internal strife and revolutionary acts of guerilla warfare. Yet, there exists within this great reclamation of our con-stitutional rights, a certain rogue ideology that further enumerates that warfare is required in order to secure and solidify the principals upon the United States Constitution. An exodus from the realties that brought Americans out from under the yoke and leash of British imperial servitude. A journey into the violence filled world of war within our own borders—Americans against Americans.

I submit that revolution is both a right, and a sacred duty to every American that resides within our borders. Consequently I submit that a revolution would change the face of America and it’s zealous political agenda—but at a steep cost that far exceeds what America’s forefathers could have envisioned during their struggles. I submit that our society, our world, and our country has evolved from those days of muskets and bayonet charges, into a militaristic society that embarks upon wholesale destruction of life without pause or regard for the long-term ramifications thereof. Our nation’s moth-ers have wept and despaired for far to long upon this revolutionary principal.

With utter dismay I have witnessed the obsessive nature of a giant beast arising from the snake pit in our nation’s capitol. A pit of vipers brandishing forked-tongues that deceive the populace with their charm and pompous polished ideologies. This awakening beast feeds upon it’s own unchecked growth, hoping to claim as it’s own, the very lives and souls of its countrymen. But absent from the moral-istic fiber that so intertwines the society of America. Instead, this beast reaches out with it’s many tentacles to wrap itself among the lives of those it swore to serve and protect, and failing to do so, em-barks upon a devious glorification of itself, and seeks to shield and insulated itself from the wrath of those that are cognizant of it’s miserable failings.

I have stood on the sidelines for a great portion of my adult life, watching across the vast horizons for a sign that would bring this epic struggle onto my doorway. At times I would learn or recognize that certain events could be the precursor of that which many so feared, and others desired. The second revolution that topples the pretentious undermining vermin working against America’s founding prin-cipals.

I hear the rumblings of discontent from all walks of life, from nearly every sector, and all speak the same language of distain and malice against the beast arisen. Even then, there are many within, that actively seek to justify a war by weakening the beast through a persisted attack against the system so despised by so many. A war that they claim is both justified and victory capable within our grasp—that we must be the propagators that fire the first angry shot—thereby creating the perfect conditions conducive to further propagation that ushers in a second revolutionary war.

My friends and patriots—that is not the way, at the present time. Do not clamor for war—for the price might very well be your own children and kin’s blood that you offer. Say nothing of your own blood and lives; for a blood debt will be owed by all that tread too quickly and foolishly into this foray. Now is not the time for revolutionary acts that pit each against the other. The time for that must not be on our hands, nor will it be upon our blood. Leave that blood debt to the cronies of the beast—let them taste their own blood first.

A new war must be undertaken—a new methodology that battles from within the beast usurper. We must tear off the mask of anonymity from those hide from our wrath and piety. No more can these petty administrators be allowed to seek or hold elected positions within our political machine. They must be purged as a bad rash must be purged from an infants derriere. These socialist insects must be identified and brought into the light of public opinion—then banished from public servitude forever. America needs not another war, for we have always been at war throughout our history, as our cemeteries will so attest. We must first fight this coming battle with our political weapons—our combined and unified voices that thunder and echo across the plains of America.

Voices that shake the very steps of the national capitol, causing those inside to gaze furtively through its many windows in fear of what builds upon the streets of America.

That is true rebellion, that is true revolutionary tactics—and the cost isn’t forthwith as steep as Americans killing other Americans. I submit that our course must be as such. That we must restrain our an-gered rage, before it commits us onto the path of blood-letting and violence. For that must not be allowed to happen unless there is no other choice, until the choice is taken from us, and until the beast rises up in violence against humanity. Only then can we tread upon this path with God’s justification and mankind’s sympathies—for anything less than that would be anarchy that leads to our own doom.

Teach not angered retaliation to your children and their children—abstain from harboring mal-content hatred for a unjust system, when the unjustness lays upon the foreheads of those responsible for the beast’s awakening—for the beast’s appetite for power and wealth far re-moves itself from the eyes of God, and foolishly believes itself above God’s wrath and judg-ment.

Sharpen your wits as you would sharpen your battle knives. Razor sharp minds incorporated and united among the far-flung brethren of our cause will damage more than ten thousands knives in a single stroke. For the beast fears not our knives; yet it shuns and hides within its own hypocrisies against the rushing tide of disenfranchised angry voices.

Lest you forget; maintain your readiness both intrinsically and extrinsically. Keep company with those that have crossed the lines of illusionary propaganda to arise in defiance of the beast’s agenda. Shake hands upon the altar of kinship among the brethren that fly the flag of glory in the face of these adversities—for that is what the beast utterly fears and despises, thus make itself weak.

For who among us would be named less than a true patriot, if by action and singularity of mind—he so challenged the beast’s growing blood lust with not a clenched fist—but an open hand that points a shameful accusing finger–calling out the beast’s in its reproachful appe-tite; admonishing those tentacles that sought to appease their own greedy hunger at the cost of our enslavement and subjugation thereof. None; none upon the face of this earth can lay fault or blame at the feet of those that undertake to sheath their knives in the name of ad-dress and grievances, for that is the way the beast can be dismantled in its entirely without obliging the debt of blood inherent. Let us seek a remedy such as this, instead of killing the sons and daughters of America in order to propagate further political discord—for anything other than that feeds the sustenance of the beast, and nourishes its insatiable hunger ever-more. This we cannot more so allow.

Hold close to you heart the innocence of your youth, and clench your fist upon the hilt of your battle knives—but release them for the moment to ponder a world rife with the foul stench of blood spilled at our hands—a stench arising from the slaughtered children of our brethren and kinsmen.

In conclusion; I offer this as a means to an end. That the scales and balance of justice weigh our actions in the coming years. That our cause remain both vigilant and deliberate, and that our actions be honorable and steadfast in the face of this epic struggle for our national identity. I pray that our action exemplify those of America’s forefathers in their struggle against the beast arisen—and that our resul-tant struggles bequeath our children’s children a country basking in the light of democracy and freedom, and a nation of citizens that love their country and fear not their government as we do this day.

1. (U) This Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG) Force Protection advisory is in response to a nationwide planned protest activities scheduled for April 15, 2009. Although there is no known direct threat to MDNG facilities and MDNG members, they may become a target of opportunity during plan protest activities throughout Maryland.
2. (U) FORCE PROTECTION CONDITIONS.

b. (U) MDARNG is not recommending a FPCON baseline change at this time.

3. (U//FOUO) SITUATION: Numerous entities have formed recently to express displeasure/anger over recent federal/state government actions: more taxes, increased spending, higher deficits, a surge of borrowing to pay for it all, bailout of the financial institutions, and etc. This movement can be identified by different variations of “TEA Party” or “Tea Party.” Past “TEA Party” events have been peaceful. There was a “Tea party” event at Solomons, Maryland, on March 22, 2009. “TEA” stands for “Taxed Enough Already.”

4. (U) KNOWN LOCATIONS AND EVENTS: According various websites and open source information, planned protest locations and time on April 15 in Maryland are:

a. (U) Full-time personnel (i.e. armories) and recruiters need to be aware their surroundings. Contact local law enforcement when feel threaten by protesters or protesters trespass into MDNG property.

b. (U//FOUO) Commanders at all levels should establish relationship with local police in order to understand the local threats. Keep family members informed. Talk to other service personnel to share information. Practice OPSEC. Don’t provide personal information to anyone you don’t know. Avoid high risk areas.

1. (U) This Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG) Force Protection advisory is in response to a nationwide planned protest activities scheduled for April 15, 2009. Although there is no known direct threat to MDNG facilities and MDNG members, they may become a target of opportunity during plan protest activities throughout Maryland.
2. (U) FORCE PROTECTION CONDITIONS.

b. (U) MDARNG is not recommending a FPCON baseline change at this time.

3. (U//FOUO) SITUATION: Numerous entities have formed recently to express displeasure/anger over recent federal/state government actions: more taxes, increased spending, higher deficits, a surge of borrowing to pay for it all, bailout of the financial institutions, and etc. This movement can be identified by different variations of “TEA Party” or “Tea Party.” Past “TEA Party” events have been peaceful. There was a “Tea party” event at Solomons, Maryland, on March 22, 2009. “TEA” stands for “Taxed Enough Already.”

4. (U) KNOWN LOCATIONS AND EVENTS: According various websites and open source information, planned protest locations and time on April 15 in Maryland are:

a. (U) Full-time personnel (i.e. armories) and recruiters need to be aware their surroundings. Contact local law enforcement when feel threaten by protesters or protesters trespass into MDNG property.

b. (U//FOUO) Commanders at all levels should establish relationship with local police in order to understand the local threats. Keep family members informed. Talk to other service personnel to share information. Practice OPSEC. Don’t provide personal information to anyone you don’t know. Avoid high risk areas.

Ever time that a Improvised Explosive Device (IED) is detonated, remember that the IED was manufactured in Iran by a regime that is consumed with killing Jews and Americans. These IED’s are built in Iran, and secretly smuggled into Iraq to be used against American forces.

Iran has become the world’s most prolific terrorist group. It bankrolls every anti-american and anti-Israel terrorist group on the face of the earth—sending money, arms, and ammunition across the globe in huge quantities.

For the past fifteen years many Americans have been quietly preparing themselves for what is perceived to be another American revolution. A movement that has gained some notoriety with certain segments of the press, but always in a stereotypical cynical manner, instead of the emergent Patriotic outlook that is being both expressed and vocalized by ordinary law abiding citizen.

Since the election of the nation’s first black President, not only have the white supremacist groups increased their rhetoric, but exponentially, millions of ordinary Americans have started to become fearful and angry at the government. Barrack Obama and his administration have done little to lessen the problematic tensions spreading at an alarming rate through the heartland of America. In fact, America’s domestic policies have driven a wedge deeper between the people and the government that is sworn to serve its citizens.

Former President Bush Jr. seized upon the nation’s most heinous terrorist act to impose the Patriot Act, a draconian set of laws that allows law enforcement agencies to conduct warrantless surveillance against law abiding citizens, and often times in stark contradiction to the rights of protection afforded by the US Constitution.